"Study reveals Mediterranean diet and exercise as effective in reducing belly fat"

Older individuals who followed a lower-calorie Mediterranean diet and engaged in minimal exercise up to six days a week experienced a reduction in dangerous visceral belly fat, which is associated with diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The study, part of an eight-year clinical trial, found that participants who followed the diet and exercise regimen gained muscle and lost significant body fat, with the benefits lasting for three years. The Mediterranean diet, characterized by plant-based cooking, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and olive oil, has been linked to various health benefits, including reduced risk of chronic diseases.